Comparing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Pimecrolimus Cream With Betamethasone Cream for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Discoid lupus erythematosus lesions are commonly treated with corticosteroids, but
corticosteroids may induce side effects such as thinning of the skin or scarring. Therefore,
an alternative medication with the same efficacy, but without the side-effects is sought
after.
Pimecrolimus is a newer drug specially designed to treat inflammatory diseases of skin. Its
efficacy in treating discoid lupus erythematosus has not been studied extensively yet.
However studies performed till now show promising results. Long-term topical use of this
medication has not shown any serious side-effects in other skin diseases.
In this study we aimed at comparing pimecrolimus efficacy with that of a common therapeutic
choice, betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, to see if pimecrolimus can be used as an
alternative medication in treating discoid lupus erythematosus.